DIXIE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

dixie, also known as "I Wish I Was in Dixie," was composed by Daniel Decatur Emmett in 1859. Originally a minstrel song, it became one of the most recognized tunes of 19th-century America, often associated with marching bands and early popular entertainment.

The first recorded performances were in minstrel shows in the late 1850s, with widespread popularity following in stage productions. Musically, the song follows a simple, memorable AABB structure and features a lively, singable melody suitable for choral or instrumental arrangements.

Subsequent revivals include brass bands, jazz ensembles, and orchestral performances that reinterpret the tune in various musical contexts. The lyrical theme evokes nostalgic longing for the American South, though modern interpretations often focus on the melody rather than original lyrics.